Albanese said the terms of reference will include examining:
- Scott Morrison’s secret appointments to administer the departments of Health, Finance, Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, Treasury, and Home Affairs.
- The implications from these appointments for “the functioning of departments, government business enterprises and statutory bodies, and for accountability and public confidence in our system of government”.
- Examine and report on practices and processes applying to ministerial appointments, including the public disclosure of these appointments.
- Make recommendations on any changes which could provide greater transparency and accountability to ensure that this can never happen again.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said the inquiry into the former PM’s appointments was “absolutely made necessary” because of the solicitor-general’s advice.
"This is sinister stuff. This is secret government. This is one of the most appalling things I've ever heard in our federal government."
- Mr Dreyfus
Hon Bell will invite public submissions and report her findings by November 25.
Albanese hopes that Bell’s appointment will “bring confidence from the Australian public”.
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